Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America. Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas.

This is an upside-down hike. Unlike most hiking trails, this hike is mostly downhill except for a short stretch along the Sourdough Ridge trail. The hike begins at Sunrise; any hike that starts at Sunrise is bound to be spectacular.

Before you get to Sunrise, stop at Sunrise Point for views of Mount Adams (south), Mount Stuart and Glacier Peak to the north. On a clear day you may see Mount Hood, Mount Baker and Mount Garibaldi. Sunrise Point is also where the Palisades Lakes trail begins.

On a weekday, we found plenty of places to park at Sunrise (6,406 feet), weekends are another story so get an early start. The hike begins on a paved spur (at the west end of the parking area) and climbs a short distance to the popular Sourdough Ridge trail (6,767 feet). Hikers have options at this point: turn right for a short, scenic hike to Dege Peak or turn left (west) for Berkeley Park, Fremont Lookout, the Wonderland Trail and more.

In mid-July, the Sourdough Ridge trail is intensely beautiful with clumps of purple penstemon springing from crevices between the rocks and Mount Rainier directly ahead. The trail contours between rocky cliffs above and green meadows dotted with white snags below. On the way to Frozen Lake, take in views of the heavily crevassed Emmons Glacier and Little Tahoma Peak. Tahoma Peak is comprised of volcanic rock, infamous for what climbers call “rotten rock”. Bring your binoculars to follow the progress of climbers on Mount Rainier en route to/from base camp at Camp Schurman. After a short rise the trail descends to Frozen Lake (6,753 feet).

The Sourdough Ridge trail to Frozen Lake is apt to be bustling with hikers of all ages, shapes and abilities. You’ll find more solitude the deeper you delve into the park. Beyond Frozen Lake we encountered fewer hikers. Snow patches covered the trail in places; some of them pink. If you have never encountered watermelon-colored snow before, it is a natural phenomenon caused by watermelon algae. In July park rangers had placed wands across remaining snow patches; those will soon be melted if not already.

Note that near Frozen Lake the plants are smaller and hug the ground to conserve the warmth of the sun. Trees that look “young” are old; it takes a long time for anything to grow in this harsh environment. The white and pink heather looks tough but is extremely fragile and a single boot-print can kill it. It takes years to grow a small pot of heather in a similar environment.

As the trail loses elevation the tundra-like environs of Frozen Lake and Burroughs Mountain are replaced by glowing meadows as the trail descends into Berkeley Park. More flowers appear; magenta paintbrush, Jacobs ladder, white heather, pink heather, lousewort, lupine and cinquefoil. The wildflower displays are ever changing and profuse; they change from week to week. The Western pasqueflowers that bloomed a week before may not even resemble the same species as it goes to seed. When the flower goes to seed it resembles the tousled white hair of an old man; hence, it is sometimes called “Old Man of the Mountains” or “mouse on a stick”.

Lodi Creek announces itself with a waterfall (5,587 feet elevation) on the left-hand side of the trail. Here, the meadows are especially lush, especially near the creek. Welcome to Berkeley Park! In mid-July, golden glacier lilies carpet the meadows like fallen stars and the moss-embroidered creek is an exquisite shade of blue-green. Clumps of monkey flowers, not yet in bloom, sit atop small islands in the stream as marmots run about on marmot-errands. It is a joy to see marmots or hear their whistle – when you hear the first marmot whistle of summer you know that all is right with the world.

As we approached Berkeley Camp (5,633 feet) glacier lilies gave way to dazzling, white avalanche lilies, in sharp contrast to emerald green meadows. Here you will find designated campsites and a toilet.

The trail continues to Grand Park but in mid-July, significant snow patches still covered the trail. We turned around well before Grand Park, retracing our route to Sunrise.

Samsarafest is a special 4-day event from March 21st – March 24th. On the dates of the 22nd – 24th the event is held at the Enumclaw Expo Center. On March 21st the event held at Danish Hall located at 1708 Porter St., Enumclaw, WA 98022 and a town crawl follows the evening. The event organizers have thoughtfully built this event into a Healing festival. Families who have lost children attend this event at no cost. Samarafest is inspired in memory of the organizer’s daughter Samsara and it is meant for those looking to dig deep and heal from their grief.

Event Details

Let the guides at Crystal Mountain Resort take you off the beaten path to explore the secret side of Crystal Mountain. This is a great activity for families and guests who don’t ski or snowboard but still enjoy the outdoors and getting a little exercise. You’ll begin your 2+ hour tour by taking a scenic ride up the Gold Hills chairlift where you’ll start your tour through the majestic alpine forest into the Bullion Basin area. As you wind through the alpine you’ll take a few minutes to take in the beautiful views and fuel up with some snacks and water. Once back in the base area, you’ll make your way to the Bullwheel Restaurant and Bar for a family-style dinner.

Schedule3:00 p.m. Meet your snowshoe guide in the Rental Shop to get geared up.
3:30 p.m. Head out for a walk in the snow
5:30 p.m. Return gear to the rental shop and head to the Bullwheel Restaurant and Bar
6:00 p.m. Dinner in the Bullwheel Restaurant

Family-Style Dinner in the Bullwheel
Relax and enjoy a warm meal and a beverage of your choice after a fun afternoon exploring the surrounding alpine of Crystal Mountain.

Price
The cost is $70 and includes complimentary chairlift ride on Gold Hills, snowshoe and pole rental, guided tour and group dinner at the Bullwheel Restaurant. Foodservice tax and gratuity included. Alcoholic beverages not included but they are available for purchase.

*Chairlift and tours are subject to cancellation due to weather. An alternate route or cancellation of the tour may result depending on the weather.

Reservations & Other Info.Reservations are available through our online registration.
Maximum size is 40 guests.
The minimum age is 11 and guests under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Chairlift and tours are subject to cancellation due to weather. An alternate route or cancellation of the tour may result depending on the weather.
All cancellations must be made within 48 hours of scheduled Dinner Tour.